Holding a PGA Tour card is a prestigious achievement in professional golf, granting players the opportunity to compete in the sport’s most esteemed tournaments. Earning a PGA Tour card signifies a major milestone in a golfer’s career, yet many may not be aware of how many players attain this status each season.
How Many Players Have PGA Tour Cards?
Overview of Player Count:
- Each season, approximately 125 to 150 players hold PGA Tour cards, with the exact number fluctuating based on various qualifications and exemptions.
- The top 125 players from the FedEx Cup standings at the end of the regular season automatically retain their cards for the following year.
Factors Influencing the Number:
- Players finishing between 126-150 in the FedEx Cup standings can earn conditional status, allowing limited access to PGA Tour events.
- Additional exemptions, sponsor invitations, and qualification through other avenues can increase the number of active players with card privileges slightly.
How Players Qualify for PGA Tour Cards
Finishing in the Top 125 of the FedEx Cup
- The top 125 players in the FedEx Cup standings at the end of the regular season automatically retain their PGA Tour cards for the next season. This rewards consistent performance throughout the season.
Korn Ferry Tour Graduates
- The Korn Ferry Tour, which serves as the PGA Tour’s developmental circuit, awards PGA Tour cards to the top 25 players from its regular season standings and an additional 25 players from the Korn Ferry Tour Finals. This pathway is crucial for emerging golfers aiming for top-tier competition.
Special Exemptions and Sponsor Invitations
- Certain players can retain or earn their PGA Tour cards through medical exemptions, career money exemptions, or sponsor invites for specific events. These opportunities allow players facing challenges to maintain their competitive status.
What Does It Mean to Have a PGA Tour Card?
Full Playing Privileges
- Holding a PGA Tour card provides access to most regular-season events and eligibility for major championships if qualified. This status allows players to compete for substantial prize money and sponsorship opportunities.
Access to Premier Events
- Cardholders can compete in high-profile tournaments such as The Players Championship, The Masters, and PGA Championship, provided they meet additional qualifying criteria.
Stability and Job Security
- Earning and retaining a PGA Tour card allows players to plan for a full season of competitive golf, offering more stability compared to those without a card who may rely on qualifiers or invitations.
Other Ways to Earn or Retain a PGA Tour Card
Winning a PGA Tour Event
- Winning an event grants an automatic exemption for two years, ensuring that players retain their card regardless of their FedEx Cup ranking.
Career Money Exemption
- Players ranked within the top 50 all-time money leaders can earn an exemption if they do not finish in the top 125, allowing them to maintain their card based on career earnings.
Medical Exemptions
- Injured players can apply for medical exemptions, which provide additional time to retain their card based on missed events.
FAQs
- How many players hold PGA Tour cards each season?
Approximately 125 to 150 players hold PGA Tour cards each season, with top performers retaining their status through FedEx Cup standings and others qualifying via various exemptions. - What happens if a player finishes outside the top 125 in the FedEx Cup standings?
Players finishing between 126-150 may receive conditional status for limited event access, while those outside this range may need to qualify through other tours like the Korn Ferry Tour. - How do Korn Ferry Tour players earn PGA Tour cards?
The top 25 from both the Korn Ferry Tour’s regular season standings and its Finals earn PGA Tour cards for the subsequent season. - Can you lose your PGA Tour card?
Yes, players not finishing within the top 125 risk losing full status unless they qualify through other exemptions. - What is conditional status on the PGA Tour?
Conditional status allows limited access to events for players ranked between 126-150 but does not guarantee entry into all tournaments.
Conclusion
In summary, around 125 to 150 players hold PGA Tour cards each season. The top performers retain their status through FedEx Cup points while others qualify through success on the Korn Ferry Tour or various exemptions. Holding a PGA Tour card is not just about competition; it represents an important achievement that allows golfers to compete at the highest level of professional golf. As fans and followers of golf, keeping an eye on both the FedEx Cup standings and Korn Ferry Tour Finals is essential to see who secures these coveted cards for upcoming seasons.
